Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base utilized clean diesel technology to excavate 120,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil as part of the Cleanup-Clean Air Initiative. This project is the result of a partnership between EPA, Navy, Marine Corps, West Coast Environmental (the cleanup contractor), Caterpillar and Huss (equipment suppliers). These efforts are especially important because non-road vehicles account for nearly 30% of all diesel particulate emissions in California, making them the largest single source of these emissions. These emissions are linked to reduced lung capacity and asthma and are likely human carcinogens.

This pilot project has reduced diesel emissions by using the cleanest engines available, biodiesel blends, and retrofits. These efforts include:

Excavated soil is being sent to a landfill via train instead of truck, keeping 6,250 trucks off Southern California highways

The project team went even further in their environmental work by relocating endangered Southwest Arroyo Toads away from the cleanup site. Additionally, this project has been a success for taxpayers. By looking at new ways of conducting this cleanup, the Navy estimates saving $27 million from the original cost estimate.

Camp Pendleton is the first DoD facility to participate in the Cleanup - Clean Air program, finding ways to reduce emissions while cleaning up historic contamination.